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James Anderson reached 500 Test wickets against West Indies at Lord’s (Picture: Getty)

James Anderson has become the sixth bowler and the first Englishman to take 500 wickets in Test cricket.

The Lancastrian achieved the feat in the second innings of the final Test against West Indies at Lord’s, taking the scalp of Kraigg Brathwaite following his first-innings dismissal of the Windies opener and Kyle Hope.

Only two seamers – Australia legend Glenn McGrath and West Indies great Courtney Walsh – had previously reached the landmark while spinners Anil Kumble, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan all surpassed 600.

Speaking about the prospect of joining the elite list of bowlers before the Lord’s Test match, 35-year-old Anderson said: ‘I don’t look at stats but because there’s not many people who have done it you know the people who are up there.

Old Trafford named an end after Anderson earlier in the summer (Picture: Getty)

‘I didn’t think I would play this much for England or get this many wickets. It’s very surreal to think I’ve achieved what I have and I’m thrilled I’ve been able to play for so long and have the success I’ve had.

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‘Five hundred wasn’t in my mind at the start of the summer – I knew over seven Tests I’d have to bowl very well and everything go my way to get near it.

Top wicket-takers in Test cricket

Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 800

Shane Warne (Australia) – 708

Anil Kumble (India) – 619

Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 563

Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 519

James Anderson (England) – 500

Kapil Dev (India) – 434

Richard Hadlee (New Zealand) – 431

Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 421

Dale Steyn (South Africa) – 417

Anderson, who made his international debut over 15 years ago, is naturally viewed as England’s greatest ever bowler but a former team-mate says the accolades should not stop there.

James Taylor, the ex-England batsman who was forced to retire at the age of 26, said in a column for the Evening Standard: ‘We should stop thinking about Jimmy Anderson only as one of England’s best cricketers because he is quite clearly one of the best sportsmen we have.

Anderson has enjoyed another fine summer at the age of 35 (Picture: Getty)

The Lancashire star has shared a prolific partnership with Stuart Broad (Picture: Getty)

‘It is an incredible achievement, yet when awards such as the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year are handed out, Jimmy rarely seems to be considered.

‘Jimmy is 35 but he will carry on for as long as he can. He is among the very best in his field and there is no reason why he will not stay there for a little while yet.’

James Taylor believes Anderson is one of the greatest British sportsmen (Picture: Getty)

Having reached 500 Test scalps, England legend Ian Botham believes Anderson must now have his sights set on becoming the most successful seam bowler of all time.

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‘Courtney Walsh is now in his sights and getting to McGrath at 563 must be a real target for him,’ he told Sky Sports.